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By Staffeen Thompson
These articles attempt to reveal the obscure, the lesser known, and
perhaps less mainstream artists; to candidly and passionately provide a glimpse into
their work, and their world. I hope you enjoy....
HAPPINESS IN THE MAKING
Toronto's Jazz diva Sophie Milman, experiences immense success with her sophomore album, Make Someone Happy. The album has an exquisite repertoire of songs and maintains her signature diverse musical style, which continues to define her within Toronto's Jazz scene, as well as internationally.
With a substantial amount of critical acclaim of her debut album, Sophie Milman, she has remained consistent in her musical expression. Make Someone Happy is a light and energetic album, coupled with thought-provoking songs. She has carefully selected songs that accurately represent her current stage of life both professionally and personally, songs with raw sentiment and haunting melodies.
"The albums are worlds apart. The first album was more of an introduction to Sophie Milman, the girl with the nice voice; whereas, this album is much more personal and introspective, with songs that are deeper and focus on story-telling Milman says, "With this new record, I was able to set aside the expectations of others and clearly articulate what I was feeling."
The songs invariably describe Milman's life story, but also resonate with her audience on a humanistic level as they deal with life changes and romantic relationships. "They're about my life and experiences, about the emotional turbulence of feeling like an outsider, and about falling in love, and the joys and demons that accompanies. It works best when you sing what you know." She says.
Milman's recognition and appeal as an emerging Jazz talent originates from her acute musical sensibility, and her ability to successfully experiment with various genres within the Jazz form. She says, "Jazz is so broad? I like to be able to play around with style, because it breaks the routine. And I feel like I have the benefit of youth, to not be locked into one thing."
Milman favourably credits her team of writers and musicians who are an integral part to the formation and composition of the songs, "Their pens are an extension of my heart." She says. "They help me to create varied songs that I can relate to. Songs with layered percussion and that textured sound."
Up-tempo adaptations of songs like, Undun, by The Guess Who, and Rocket Love, by Stevie Wonder, are excellent examples of contemporary Jazz songs Milman sings. Also included are renditions of the classics Fever and (It's Not Easy) Bein' Green, which complement the eclectic arrangement. She says, "In choosing the songs for the record, I consider the lyrics and melody first, then I make each song my own, where each song tells its own unique story."
Milman's objective as an artist is to maintain credibility and longevity, and to grow through her music with grace. With a healthy self-perception she acknowledges that she will improve as an artist, and will evolve musically with each album. This album can be classified as a subtle re-introduction for Milman who has remained unwavering in her style, and who strives to enlighten us with her heart and voice, one song at a time.